The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has expressed his support for the UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, who is facing increasing scrutiny due to his past associations with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This follows the release of a 50th birthday album for Epstein, compiled in 2003, which included a handwritten note from Mandelson referring to Epstein as “my best pal.” The album also featured contributions from several prominent figures, including Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and attorney Alan Dershowitz.
Questions regarding Mandelson’s suitability for his diplomatic role have intensified, particularly after the album’s release by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. The album was reportedly associated with Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite convicted of sex trafficking.
Mandelson, who began his role as ambassador earlier this year following the Labour Party’s election victory in July 2024, acknowledged his past friendship with Epstein. In a statement to The Sun newspaper, he described his previous comments about Epstein as “very embarrassing to see and to read.” He emphasized his “tremendous sense, a profound sense of sympathy” for Epstein’s victims and clarified that his remarks were made before Epstein was indicted on various charges.
In the wake of these revelations, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, raised concerns about the viability of Mandelson’s position. Starmer, however, defended Mandelson, stating that the ambassador has “repeatedly expressed his deep regret” for his past associations. Starmer asserted, “I have confidence in him, and he is playing an important role in the U.K.-U.S. relationship.”
Mandelson’s political history is marked by controversy; he has previously resigned from former Prime Minister Tony Blair‘s government twice, in 1998 and 2001. He later served as a European Commissioner for trade before returning to UK politics in 2008 under Gordon Brown, Blair’s successor. Starmer believes Mandelson’s expertise in trade is crucial, particularly in mitigating the impact of tariffs on British imports to the United States.
Starmer’s office confirmed that Mandelson underwent “extensive vetting and background checks” prior to his appointment. This defense comes at a challenging time for Starmer, who has faced difficulties following the recent resignation of his deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, over a tax dispute.
Mandelson has indicated that further revelations regarding his past connections with Epstein may come to light in the weeks ahead, raising questions about the ongoing implications for his role as ambassador and the broader U.K.-U.S. diplomatic relationship.